Reborn as a Fake Heiress Marrying the Tycoon-Chapter 1146: Banquet

Su Le darted over to Gu Zi, flinging her tiny arms around her mother’s leg and burying her face into her dress. "Mommy, you’re so beautiful, and you smell so good!" she gushed.

Even Su Bing, normally the most taciturn of the three children, couldn’t hold back and said earnestly, "Mommy, you look especially pretty today."

Gu Zi chuckled, tousling their little heads affectionately. "So you all like this extra-beautiful mommy, hmm? Does that mean you don’t like the mommy who usually only looks just okay?"

Feigning an exaggerated sadness, she peeked at their faces, fully intending to tease them. Sure enough, the three children immediately shook their heads frantically.

Su Li declared solemnly, "Mommy looks beautiful every day in our eyes. We love you!"

Warmth bloomed in Gu Zi’s chest as she looked at her children, laughter bubbling from the cozy little scene. They were still reveling in their happy moment when Su Shen strode back into the house.

He had slicked his hair back into a polished style that showed off his sharply handsome, dependable face, and he looked positively devastating.

Gone was his usual casualness—he wore a perfectly tailored suit, his jacket slung casually over one arm. A few buttons at the collar of his crisp white shirt had been left undone, offering just a tantalizing glimpse of chiseled chest muscles. The air around him practically crackled with masculine allure.

Gu Zi stepped forward, eyeing the man up and down with mock seriousness. "Tsk, tsk. President Su is looking mighty dashing today. This outfit—surely it’s custom-made? Have you finally figured out how to unleash your charm? Important people attending tonight’s party?"

Su Shen had just come back from a grooming session at a professional men’s styling house—after the embarrassing episode where he had been mistaken for Gu Zi’s older brother (or worse, her father), he had decided it was time to up his game.

Gu Zi was always so impeccably dressed, so effortlessly dazzling; he needed to at least keep pace. He’d booked the full-service package, leaving nothing to chance.

He knew she was teasing, but the sparkle in her eyes made it clear: the effort had paid off. Watching her admire him, Su Shen couldn’t resist pulling her closer by the waist and asking in a low, eager voice, "Gu Zi, do I look like I belong next to you now?"

His eyes burned into hers with an intensity that seemed to say: You are the most important person at tonight’s party. I only dressed up to match you.

Gu Zi, thoroughly delighted, smiled and teased back, "Mm, not bad. You definitely look younger. So, President Su, what do you think of my outfit? Can I do you proud?"

She took his hand and did a playful little twirl, her dress swirling charmingly around her.

Truthfully, Su Shen had been completely stunned from the moment he laid eyes on her. His heart still picked up speed at the mere sight of her luminous beauty.

"Gu Zi," he said, his voice deep and earnest, "you’re not just holding your own—you’re breathtaking. I’m already starting to feel jealous. I don’t want anyone else looking at you tonight."

Gu Zi lifted her chin with a satisfied smile, looped her arm through his, and said with a teasing glint, "No need to be jealous, President Su. You’re the one taking me out tonight—let everyone else be the jealous ones. Come on, let’s go!"

The evening’s event was no ordinary party. It was the grand 80th birthday banquet for the venerable patriarch of the Chen family, one of the most prestigious families in the capital. The guest list was a glittering collection of political heavyweights and business moguls, making it as much a networking extravaganza as it was a birthday celebration. For anyone with ambition, tonight could easily mean meeting the right person who could catapult them to the very top.

The banquet was held at an ultra-luxury hotel in the heart of the capital. Outside the ballroom, Chen Yu and Sun Yi were stationed to welcome the guests personally.

Just as Gu Zi and Su Shen alighted from their car and approached the grand entrance, Sun Yi’s voice rang out, "Finally! My gorgeous girl, you’ve arrived!"

She rushed over, grabbing Gu Zi’s hands and giving her a once-over with sparkling eyes. "You are absolutely stunning tonight!"

Even Chen Yu, standing by her side, couldn’t help stealing a glance of admiration at Gu Zi, a hint of envy flickering in his eyes. It wasn’t every day you saw a woman so dazzlingly beautiful—and married, no less, to his old buddy Su Shen. But Chen Yu was a man of principles. Bro code was sacred, and he quickly masked his emotions, turning back to Su Shen with a hearty laugh.

"Su Shen, sorry if the welcome was a little rough around the edges. Go on inside—you and your lovely wife. Eat, drink, whatever you want. Just say the word."

Once inside the ballroom, Su Shen and Gu Zi had barely found a spot to stand when a steady stream of acquaintances began to approach. After exchanging pleasantries, Su Shen led Gu Zi toward a more private seating area.

Gu Zi had only just settled into her seat when a woman appeared by Su Shen’s side—a secretary in an eye-catching scarlet slip dress. She offered a dazzling smile as she reached out for his jacket. "President Su, let me take your coat for you."

Su Shen gave a quick glance at Gu Zi’s expression, then turned back to the woman with a voice cool and polite. "Secretary Chen, tonight’s event isn’t a work function. You aren’t here as my assistant. Please, enjoy the evening as a guest."

Secretary Chen hesitated for a heartbeat, sensing there was no room for further negotiation. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Gu Zi’s poised, watchful presence and immediately understood—President Su wasn’t about to risk upsetting this woman over a jacket.

Bowing her head slightly in acknowledgment, she withdrew gracefully.

Meanwhile, Sun Yi had slipped back into the ballroom, having delegated her welcoming duties outside. She had been worried that Gu Zi, attending such an intimidating gathering for the first time, might feel overwhelmed.

But the moment she stepped inside, she caught sight of the secretary’s little attempt at ingratiation—and her face darkened immediately.

That was Chen Yu’s doing, no doubt. The infuriating man had actually gone and placed Secretary Chen right under Su Shen’s nose. Sun Yi’s mood soured instantly.